Job description
Agency NT Fire and Emergency Services Work unit Legal Section
Job title Director Legal and Law Reform Designation Senior Professional Officer 2
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $148,302 - $161,638 Location Darwin
Position number 48230 RTF Closing 28/01/2026
Contact officer Keith Fernandez, Deputy Chief Executive on
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
The Director Legal and Law Reform is responsible for providing high-level leadership, high-quality legal advice, and legislative and
business reform with respect to NT Fire and Emergency Services administered legislation, and related matters. The role is
accountable for the design, management and achievement of critical, strategic legislative reform projects that govern programs
and services delivered by the agency.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide expert legal advice on strategic, operational and industrial issues affecting the agency, including contract arrangements,
resolution of sensitive and complex legal issues, and the functions of the Commissioner.
2. Advise on matters associated with investigations, including the exercise of powers, legislative compliance obligations and
processes related to courts, commissions and tribunals such as the Fair Work Commission and the Anti-Discrimination
Commission.
1. Maintain an independent legal practice, including providing legal advice and advocacy services, and act as the instructing officer
in the management of outsourced legal matters.
1. Assist in the development of policies, strategies and guidelines to ensure consistency with the agency's legislation and legal
principles of general application.
1. Lead and manage the department's legislative reform program, from development through to implementation, ensuring
alignment between law, practice, and operations through strategic partnerships and effective stakeholder engagement.
1. Lead the participation of cross-agency working groups, contributing to the development and integration of legislative reform.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Admission as an Australian legal practitioner and eligibility to obtain a local practising certificate.
1. Demonstrated advanced oral and written communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills, including the ability to build
and maintain collegial and collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
3. Strong networking and leadership skills in developing, negotiating and managing strategic relationships and partnerships at all
levels to facilitate and promote the achievement of divisional and agency goals.
4. Proven ability to direct and manage multiple complex projects with limited resources and deadlines.
1. Proven ability to design and conduct sensitive, complex and demanding consultation and community engagement processes,
including the delivery of forums, presentations and workshops in complex stakeholder and service delivery environments across
the Northern Territory.
1. Proven ability to manage negotiations and establish a clear position based on research, a comprehensive understanding of key
issues, likely arguments, points of difference and opportunities for compromise.
1. Proven ability to operate in a confidential and politically sensitive environment while balancing the varying priorities of the
agency and government.
Desirable
1. Extensive post-admission legal practice (10 years or more).
2. Background in industrial relations matters or associated area of law.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the functions and priorities of the agency.
Further information
Candidates will be required to make a conflict-of-interest declaration and pre-employment checks such as a criminal history and
intelligence data check. The successful applicant must have no significant criminal history.